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Content tagged with "Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines"

Sometimes called simply "swamp oak," this beautiful tree features bicolored leaves that are shiny, dark green above and downy white below. When a breeze sets them in motion, their wavy or lobed shapes add a calm grace to a summer's hike.

The white, smooth-looking limbs of this giant tree rise over countless streams and river banks—as well as over sidewalks and city streets. The leaves, which somewhat resemble those of maples, can reach remarkably large sizes.

Tree-of-Heaven is a fast-growing exotic that has become common in urban areas. It is weedy and aggressive and should not be planted. Recognize it by its 2-foot-long feather-compound leaves and the unpleasant scent of the twigs when you break them.

Though it only occurs naturally in the southeastern part of Missouri, the stately tulip tree is planted widely in lawns, parks and cemeteries. The distinctive leaves and tulip-shaped flowers make it easy to identify.

Occasionally confused with poison ivy, Virginia creeper can be easily identified by simply noticing that most of its leaflets are in fives, instead of threes. This delightful native vine is useful in landscaping.

This willow is one of the first woody species to occupy the outer edges of gravel bars in a stream. This "pioneer plant" honors an intellectual pioneer, Lester Frank Ward, who was a Civil War veteran, botanist, geologist and sociologist; he was the first president of the American Sociological Association.

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Serving Nature and You

MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources. We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature. Read more about our mission.